Classic Bikes - 1930 AJS 498cc Model R8

1930 AJS 498cc Model R8 Motorcycle Combination

 

More about (AJS) A. J. Stevens & Company (1914) Limited

 

Originally built only as a 350 - latterly known as the ‘Big Port’ - the overhead-valve AJS became available as a 500 for the first time in 1926. Known as the Model 8, it followed the general lines of the 350 - albeit with an inclined cylinder - and distinguished itself in the 1926 Isle of Man Senior TT when works rider Jimmy Simpson became the first man to lap at over 70mph. Progressively revised and updated, the AJS Model 8 continued in production essentially unchanged after the Matchless take-over in 1931, and was not replaced until 1936 when an entirely new version with vertical engine was announced. Dating from the penultimate year of production at Wolverhampton, this rare matching-numbers R8, complete with AJS’s own Zeppelin-type sports sidecar, received a Gold Award at this year’s VMCC Banbury Run (No. 390). An ‘older restoration’, the machine benefits from a recent cylinder head overhaul (new valves, guides and seats), refurbished carburettor and reconditioned gearbox (both shafts re-metalled and ground to size, new bearings fitted), while the sidecar chassis connections and alignment have been sorted by those friendly people at Watsonian Squire. Described as a reliable and easy-to-ride long-stroke Sloper with brakes that work, it is presented in sound working order and offered with old-style logbook, road fund licence/MoT to May 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.